December brings fashion forward

All those who watched the Christmas Tree lighting at Rockefeller Center on television raise your hand. If you did, then you know what I'm talking about when I say, how about the Justin Bieber and Busta Rhythms performance? Was that off the hook or what? I thought this year's show was especially entertaining and I enjoyed every moment of it. (what can I tell you, I'm a dancer and big fan of the Rockettes!)

However, I was sadly and greatly disappointed in the Mariah Carey video featuring, again, our boy Bieber singing her hit song, "All I Want for Christmas is You." In my opinion that was the most distasteful, disgraceful act I have ever seen Carey perform. I am surprised that the network even aired that segment, as it was totally X-rated. I was embarrassed to let my 6-year-old daughter watch it and was equally embarrassed for all of the other little children who were watching. Someone's head should really roll for allowing that to air.

Bieber was cool, but Carey was, well, disgusting; way too lewd, and it wasn't even necessary. Carey is beautiful; all she had to do was stand there and sing. Instead, she or someone else decided she should be a hoochy mama. It was totally out of place. Totally.

While President Barack Obama was in town fundraising, his wife Michelle, along with supermodel Iman, was honorary chair of the after-performance dinner for the opening night gala benefit for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, held in the Grand Ballroom of the New York Hilton.

Get well soon, Mercedes Murphy, who suffered a mild stroke. Rest in peace, Rodger Moore, brother of Leslie Moore and grandson of the famous artist Tanner Moore. Condolences to the family of Canaan Baptist Church disciple Mary F. Hill, who passed away at 99 years old.

Funeral services were recently held for Herman ("Lil' Herman") Timmons, where well over 1,000 people showed up to say their goodbyes. He lived the life of a king and still gave all his love to those less and more fortunate than him.

Also passed was Rodney L. Carroll, who had his funeral at Benta's, where it was standing room only. Among those in attendance were Bill Perkins and Keith Wright, with condolences sent by Charles Rangel. Rodney ran for City Council, worked for ACS and coached the Harlem Little League, where he was known as "Coach Rod."